3 On Your Side: More Tips To Save Money When Shopping Online

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – When it comes to holiday shopping, we’ve all heard the same old advice: start early. comparison shop and clip coupons. But 3 On Your Side Consumer Reporter Jim Donovan also tells us about some other savings strategies that are outside the gift box.

Lynette Pettinicchi loves to shop online, but only makes a holiday purchase when the price is right. She says, “I visit web sites. I compare them and then I go through the stores and see who had the best deal.”

Lynette isn’t alone. Holiday sales are expected to increase by 4 percent over last year, but Jeanette Pavini with coupons.com says, that doesn’t mean you can’t haggle. If you fill your shopping cart, then virtually walk away, a growing number of retailers will try and lure you back with deals. According to Pavini, “They will send you an e-mail anywhere from 2 hours to 24 hours after you’ve abandoned the cart and offer you some type of an incentive.”

Think free shipping, or up to 20% off. Lindsay Sakraida with dealnews.com says there is a catch. “You really do need to have an account with the store so that they know what email address to contact you at.”

You can also bargain online via live chat. Many times a retailer will match a competitor’s price. Pavini says just be sure to ask, “Am I missing any deals or discounts? And if they come back and say no, then you say, ‘ok, well can you offer me something?'”

A growing number of stores will also let you register for text-based promotions that will clue you in on secret sales and only-for-you offers. You don’t know when they’ll pop up, but Sakraida says, “At the very least, when you sign up, you should get maybe 10% to 15% to 20% off just for registering.”

Finally, consider downloading location based apps like Foursquare and Shopkick. Sakraida says “Both of these apps allow you to check-in when you’re physically in a store, and sometimes you can get a special promotion just from being there.”

Lynette recently abandoned her cart of clothes and scored a coupon for 20% off. She says, “since the economy is still rough and I am trying to be frugal, it’s definitely a way to save money.”